Downloading STV's Beck on Linux with no need for a VPN

[BigBeckFan]

Hi, I'm a UK Linux user, very familiar with get_iplayer, ffmpeg, Python, C, and network protocols.

The BBC shows recent episodes of Beck, the series about the Swedish detective. It has never aired the early episodes. The early episodes are available until the end of the month on STV, e.g. https://player.stv.tv/summary/banijay1-beck Note: not ITV. I can stream live STV fine but have never downloaded non-live programmes off its player. I need to download for sneaker-net transfer to a TV which is better for the 'accessibility challenged' than a PC. I'm in the UK so don't need a VPN. I'm happy to register with STV if required. I find Stream Detector isn't detecting any streams.

I've seen A_n_g_e_l_a's bestITVX.py and akduyurye's simpler version. But what's the current solution for STV, which I understand uses similar underlying technology with Brightcove streaming?

Thanks, BBF.

[ElCap]

i think you will need to sign up for a free stv account to play it.
it looks very similar to tg4.ie which angela has detailed here under the sub heading "Edit January 2023".
you should find all the info you need to get the keys, download and decrypt the files from the stickied threads in this sub-forum.

[A_n_g_e_l_a]

STV uses boltdns.net to provide services as do some other providers.

I have a generic python script here https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/407216-Decryption-The-Dungeon-of-Despair#post2669285
I think that will work for most video from STV.
STV only seem to encrypt a small part of their offering these days. It should grab both free and encrypted.

You will need to sign-up. Make sure you use a Scottish post code. EH 1AA works

The script will also grab from uktvplay.co.uk, tptvencore.co.uk, tg4.ie and I suspect but am unable to test, TVNZ
UKTVPlay is up to 1080 as is STV others vary.

EDIT
I've updated the script posted. It will also get video from Acorn TV albeit low quality

Also noticed the Stream Detector needs the page refreshed (shift + browser refresh - sometimes more than once) and start to play the video to pick up on mpd etc but it will - persevere.

I see Beck has lots of series. STV leave out the series designation in the tab title so the best I can do with Stream Detector is episode number. Do one series at a time and use folders.

[stabbedbybrick]

If you're still in need, I've written an STV downloader that works for both single episodes and full seasons. All you have to do is specify episode or season followed by URL to the series when running the script. No browsing or account needed. It's still a beta version, but works well for most DRM content at the moment.

An example: (I only printed the decryption keys for demonstration purposes. The actual script will download each episode)


[Attachment 72746 - Click to enlarge]

Send me a DM if you want to try it out. The episodes are still available for a couple of days.